Friedman: Rays projected 2014 payroll "unaffordable"

Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said they liked their 2013 team so much - from the way they challenged and complemented each other - that they're trying to "keep the band together" as much as they can.

Whether that includes ace lefty David Price, a subject of trade rumors, remains to be seen.

But in officially announcing Friday the signing of first baseman James Loney to a three-year, $21 million deal, Tampa Bay will come back with its Gold Glove infield intact.

There's also a price to pay with that, as Friedman acknowledged their payroll is projected to be higher than the franchise-record of $72.8 million in 2010.

“I think it’s an unaffordable figure for our franchise,” Friedman said. “But I think it’s something that Stu has been very steadfast and doing everything he can and putting our best foot forward to win as many games as we possibly can as we continue to build a foundation and fan base in this area.“But it’s certainly not a sustainable number in terms of where we are revenue-wise, but we felt like we had a really good chance to be great next year, that’s why we’re doing what we’re doing.”

Though the Rays 40-man roster is now full, Friedman said they're still trying to be "opportunistic," keeping an eye on the reliever market, as well as maybe potentially adding another infielder.

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The Tampa Bay Rays will head into the 2015 season with Evan Longoria, Chris Archer, Alex Cobb and plenty of new faces, including manager Kevin Cash. Can they upend the Orioles in the highly competitive AL East? Come here to follow Rays news at Tropicana Field and beyond.